After the large strides Yamaha has made the past couple of seasons, they are using 1999 to slow down and catch their breath. There are a couple of surprises, but this is mostly a year of refinements.
Starting at the top, both price and performance wise, the Yamaha SRX 700 and 600 models remain mostly unchanged. When you sign up for one of these rockets, you get high horsepower triple cylinder engines with
electronically controlled power valves and triple pipes. They were contenders on
the lake in ‘98, and ‘99 will be no different. Notable changes, (and items
buyers complained about last season), include a new .92” aggressive track, and
standard issue protectors for the tunnel and heat exchangers. Other noteworthy
additions include an adjustable brake lever to fine tune your fit and reflective
graphics sure to be seen on the trail at night.
If you want to make time through the moguls, the Yamaha Vmax SX series is worthy of consideration. These are race proven snocross sleds that aim to please. On these models, Yamaha’s Pro Action suspension is set up for aggressive riding and offer 7” of front and 8” of rear travel, controlled by rebuildable KYB gas shocks. For ‘99 there is an all new 600cc triple cylinder engine.
This is not just a single piped SRX engine, but instead features a larger bore
and shorter stroke. Yamaha feels these large triples are more durable than the
competition’s twins and feature broader powerbands. The trade-off of a triple
is usually added weight, but with a claimed dry weight of 485 lbs, Yamaha seems
to have found the right balance. Like the SRX series, the 700 and 600 SX models
now come with standard stud protection and the adjustable brake lever. Also
available is a 500 SX. This twin could be considered the entry level model of
the SX line-up. It includes most all of it’s siblings features and rewards
it’s buyer with a cheaper and lighter package.
The sleds I seemed drawn to the most were the Vmax Deluxe models.
Engine choices are the same as the SX line-up, but instead of the aggressive
suspension, the rider is rewarded with plush travel, consisting of 8” front
and 11.5” rear. All models come standard with electric start, reverse, tall
windshields and dual mirrors. New features for ‘99 include larger gauges and a
newly patterned seat. It took every ounce of discipline I had to keep from
snow-checking a 700 Deluxe......
The basic Vmax series is the bread and butter of the Yamaha line.
Models include a 700cc triple, and 600 and 500cc twins. These machines don’t
have all the bells and whistles of the Deluxe models or the aggressive
suspension of the SX line, but you do get the basics; outstanding hydraulic
brake, plush suspension, light-weight chassis, etc, etc. These are value
oriented sleds capable of satisfying the discriminating sled buyer.
Speaking of bread and butter sleds, did I mention the “all new” Yamaha Phazer? This is a machine I’ve been waiting years for and now that it’s finally here, I find myself somewhat disappointed. Why you ask?
Having been a big supporter of the lightweight fan-cooled Phazer for years, I
thought Yamaha would impress me with an equally lightweight fan-cooled Phazer
replacement in the new chassis. Unfortunately they delivered a portly Phazer
with more claimed HP. (To put the weight in perspective, the new Phazer weighs
in at a claimed 465 lbs. The Vmax 500 liquid weighs 472 lbs. Last years Phazer
weighed in at less than 445 lbs.) Don’t get me wrong, this will be a great
sled. It is equal to the competition’s fan-cooled models in every way. It
offers a comfortable suspension, snappy performance, and Yamaha’s proven
dependability. This new machine is “leaps and bounds” ahead of the old model
Phazer and will most likely be one of Yamaha’s top sellers in ‘99. As great
as this new Phazer might be, it isn’t as good as it could be. Attention
Yamaha, put my faithful friend on a diet and make it the lean frisky machine it
should be!
While I feel I may have been let down by the Phazer, owners of the Venture touring sleds probably won’t be.
Yamaha’s recipe for two-up comfort is to combine the standard features from
the Deluxe line with a 136” track, two-up stepped seat, and added passenger
features (backrest, footrests, and heated grips). Besides the new 600cc triple
this year, ‘99 adds the XL model based on the fan-cooled Phazer.
Well, there you have it folks, the 1999 model preview as shown in Manchester NH. But wait, doesn’t Yamaha sell mountain sleds? What about utility machines? According to the brochure they do, but they were suspiciously absent from display.
Digging through the brochure, the utility line-up remains mostly unchanged.
The Bravo LT marches on with it’s basic leaf spring front, and limited travel
(4”) rear, suspensions. Though it has many shortcomings, it can’t be beat by
those that need a lightweight longtrack workhorse. Consider this the modern day
equivalent to the Ski Doo Elan; not glorious, but guaranteed to get the job
done. If you need a little more grunt, the VK 540 III may be the answer. 
The front suspension is Yamaha’s proven telescopic strut system. This design
works fine in this application, but has become outclassed in ‘99. Added new
this year is the ProAction Plus rear suspension from the Vmax line with 11.5”
of travel! This 535cc fan-cooled monster with a 20”x156” track is sure to
please those who need an unstoppable trailbreaker.
Yamaha’s mountain line-up has been mostly ignored by the true high-markers.
Yamaha noticed and for ‘99 has added a factory installed 2” track to the
triple cylinder 700 Mountain Max (MM). Will this be enough to take on the
Polaris 700 RMK and Ski Doo Summit X? 
Maybe, maybe not, but it certainly is a step in the right direction. Coming back
mostly unchanged are the 600 MM and Phazer Mountain Lite. (Yes, the Phazer
Mountain Lite remains in the old Phazer chassis. Bummer!)
(Author’s Note: While perusing the accessory pages of 1999 Yamaha
brochure, I see they offer a GYT Long Track Extension Kit for the ‘99 Phazer.
The complete kit includes a 136”x1.5” lug track, extended rails, a tunnel
extension, and needed hardware. It appears this same kit could also be used on a
Vmax 500 too. What do you know, my Phazer MM and 500 MM are a do-it-yourself
option now..........)
Hmm, have I missed anything? Oh yes, the Ovation. Well, if your a fan of “no change”, then this is the sled for you......
Is Yamaha interested in one man?s suggestions? I don?t know, but it won?t stop me from mentioning them. First, it?s time to do something with the Ovation. Yamaha needs a 340cc entry level sled, but with the new Phazer chassis weighing as much as it does, dropping this engine in it is the wrong solution. Maybe it?s time for a truly lean, modern chassis capable of housing both the 340 Ovation and the 250 Bravo LT. My next suggestion is for the Phazer. I obviously think in needs to go on a diet, but in addition to that it should get a high performance version of the 535cc VK540 engine. Polaris has upped the ante in the fan cooled market, and Yamaha already has the means to match them. While I?m talking about the ?new? Phazer, add a Mountain Max version. Speaking of Mountain Max, where is the 500 MM? A 500 liquid with Smart Carbs seems like a no-brainer to me. Finally, what?s the deal with the warranties? The three year warranty available to US residents on liquid cooled sleds is great, but what about our fellow sledders to the north (Canada)? I would also suggest offering the same warranty on the fan cooled machines. I can?t believe there would be more claims on these models as compared to the high performance liquids.
Closing on a positive note..... Overall, I feel Yamaha has an outstanding line-up offering a model for just about everyone, and I predict they will continue to gain market share in ?99. As a past and current owner of Yamaha snowmobiles, I am convinced a buyer will be rewarded with exceptional engineering and the best fit and finish in the industry.
(Editors note: Be sure and click on the pictures for a larger image.)